When we first visited Next Paradise shortly after it opened back in 2009, it was a charming little 10 roomed lodge with a wonderfully friendly and enthusiastic owner in Stuart (a lovely guy born in Australia but brought up in Italy) In fact, I still fantasize about the delicious seafood pasta we enjoyed on that visit!!! Fast forward to the present and it’s testimony to the great job that Stuart and his team have done that Next Paradise has successfully expanded to 21 stylish rooms and that guests are still raving about their stays here!

Next Paradise is located in the village of Pwani Mchangani which possesses one of the most stunning beaches on the entire island – an endless stretch of impossibly-fine coral sand lined with palm trees on one side and the blindingly aqua-blue ocean on the other. In common with the rest of the east coast of Zanzibar, there is an amazing tidal range here and when the tide is out you can literally wade through ankle-deep water right out to the reef which lies about a kilometre offshore! It’s a good thing then that the lodge has not one but two swimming pools in which guests can take a dip to escape the summer heat during low tide. Compared to the main resort area to the south, the beach here is still relatively isolated with not too many of the island’s infamous hawkers, though still a few.

As you arrive at Next Paradise, perhaps the first thing that strikes you are the lodge’s stunning gardens with numerous palm trees that provide that real tropical island ambiance. The lodge’s reception leads into the bar area with the makuti-thatched restaurant beyond and a swimming pool – all are set back from the beach with the various rooms taking pride of place closest to the water’s edge. The lodge’s 21 rooms are probably the most difficult aspect of Next Paradise to describe as they have been built over the years as a series of separate projects and vary hugely in size (anywhere from 36 m2 to 95 m2) and location – some are right on the beach whilst others face the gardens; some are free-standing whilst others are clustered in units. Suffice to say that the closer to the beach and the bigger the room, so the prices obviously increase (chat to one of our consultants and they can send you a detailed map showing exactly where the different rooms are located on the property)

Whichever room you choose, what you’ll get is a clean and comfortable space combining elements of local Zanzibar styling with luxurious European touches. Stuart was actually an architect before following his dream to open a lodge, so the rooms showcase his innate sense of style and taste. Whilst the furniture is 100% Zanzibari, handmade from solid wood carved by Zanzibari craftsmen in local style, you can look forward to stylish bathrooms complete with spacious showers, bidets and with ceramics and fittings imported from Europe.Comfortable beds are hung romantically with mosquito nets and the rooms are equipped with air-conditioning to ward off the fierce island heat and humidity during the summer. Each of the rooms boast little veranda areas, many of which have some sort of sea view.

Those little verandas are the perfect place in fact to enjoy your breakfast – the lodge is happy to serve you breakfast on your balcony at no extra charge! For many guests the dining experience is perhaps the stand-out element of their whole stay at Next Paradise with the food receiving consistent rave reviews from happy guests! The four-course dinners are especially delicious with a strong bias towards freshly caught fish and seafood. The evening menu is displayed on a chalk board every afternoon and if you don’t fancy anything on it then you’re welcome to ask the chef to whip up something that you do like – in reality unless you’re allergic to something, most guests are happy to stick with the scrumptious standard fare! On Monday evenings there’s usually live music where guests can enjoy a dance, but don’t get the idea that Next Paradise is a party-place – rather this is a perfect lodge for couples looking for a quiet, romantic holiday.

The activities on offer are similarly low key here. Stuart and the friendly manager Daniella will be happy to make suggestions and book island excursions for you with snorkelling on the reefs of nearby Mnemba Island being a must-do. Another option is to take a couple of the hotel’s (free) bikes and head off for a ride along the beach where you may decide to stop for lunch or a drink at one of the small restaurants dotted along this stretch of coast. Otherwise there’s little to beat just chilling around the lodge’s 2 swimming pools, then perhaps head off for a relaxing massage whereafter you can drag yourself along to the bar where the friendly barman will happily whip up something long, cold and delicious for you!